The corridors are congested with students making their way back to the dorms. With my head down, I push through the horde to the elevators. An elevator is already going up with a couple of students in it, so I slide inside and press my back to the wall. The two girls inside exchange glances while the remaining occupant, a guy, pays me no attention. I pretend they don’t exist and ignore their glares.
At least they aren’t saying anything.
The elevator chimes, and I remember then that I forgot to push the button for the sunroom, so when they all step out, and I’m left alone again, I push the “s” button and take a step back, happy once more.
When the elevator chimes again and the doors open, I step out and have to shield my eyes almost immediately. Even though it’s afternoon, the sun is still beating down on the covered sunroom. It’s been a while since I saw the sun this fully.
I notice chairs and tables with little plants are scattered around the room. It’s a cozy vacant space and one that might be my hideaway for when the library isn’t an option. Slowly, I walk deeper into the room and take a seat at one of the tables.
The sun beats down on my skin, and I bask in the vitamin D it’s providing me. Even through the thick glass surrounding me, I can still feel the hot rays. Maybe I’ll be less depressed after this? They say the sun can make you feel rejuvenated. Too bad it can’t get rid of all the assholes at Corium.
No.I tell myself and try not to think about anything else bad while I sit with my eyes closed, soaking up the sun. I’ve already made it this far, and I’m no quitter. After a while, beads of sweat start to form on my forehead, and I know it’s time to return to my dorm as the sun starts to set on the horizon.
I can do this. Things are hard here, but they could be worse. My father—though he didn’t really explain what he meant by it—provided me with leverage. I have no idea what it means, but if I have to use it, I will. The only thing that matters to me is my own sanity. I need to keep myself above water because as soon as I show even the slightest bit of weakness, I’ll draw the students of Corium like sharks to blood in the water.